by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
According to School News, Melinda and Bill Gates spent billions of dollars exploring the idea that smaller high schools would bring forth better academic performance of kids.
But, with a new CEO, their direction is changing. They now have come to the conclusion that more effective teaching may be key to student success.
This decision follows the thinking of the Obama administration. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, is calling for school districts to spend stimulus money for better teachers.
He particularly has named Teach for America as a model—a program which recruits outstanding graduates from selective colleges to commit at least two years teaching in inner city and rural schools to help eliminate educational inequity.
In Philadelphia, Teach for America has been shown to be particularly effective. In three schools---KIPP, Mastery, and Young Scholars, where student progress has been exceptional, Teach for America has been involved in leading and teaching---with a longer school day, high expectations and strict rules for behavior.
It’s what the teachers are doing that’s making the difference.
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